[michaelkingdom]

Hello everyone,

I am asking this question with all honesty. I currently use Behringer EP4000 pro amps to run my speakers - of which I have a few: B&W N805, Merlin TSM, Harbeth SHL-5, PSB Imagine B. I like to switch around which speaker I listen to.

I am considering upgrading my amp section to Bryston 4B ST or 4B Pro. My questions are:

1. Since my Behringers are rated to be 650w at 8 Ohm, what improvements could I hope to achieve by switching to Bryston?

2. Between the 4B ST and the 4B Pro, is there a sonic difference? I don't mind pro cosmetics / I know the pro has a gain dial. Anything I would be missing by going pro or is it just a cosmetic choice?

I understand warranty, build quality and resale value are better with Bryston but I'm really interested in the sonic differences.

Thoughts?

[srb]

Obviously as you surmise, the parts and build quality of most Behringer products is not quite up to par with that of more expensive competing products.  I see that you had one personal PM reply to the same question posted on the AVS Forum.  I'm curious as to what you may have learned from the responder that he was hesitant to post in the forum?
 
What's more curious to me is how an amplifier with 1800W input is able to output a continuous 2400W RMS output?  Even at 90% efficiency, it should only be able to muster ~ 1600W continuous power.  With an amazing 133% efficiency, an astronomical number of these amps might help reduce the planet's energy consumption!
 
Although these amps seem to be most often used in the home to power subwoofers, I am interested in any sonic comparisons with other amplifiers used to drive main speakers, particularly when only called upon to deliver several hundred watts per channel or less.  Can you comment on the fan noise you hear under normal conditions?
 
Steve
 

[michaelkingdom]

Yes, the PM that was sent to me is a request to purchase my Behringers, should I choose to sell them.

Tests were done on the EP2500 and they were able to handle about 650 continuous watts. The wattage of 2000w per channel on the EP4000 is an exaggeration but they are very strong.

I do like using them. I modded the fan, an easy mod, by switching in a quiet fan. The stock fan is for pro use where the amps might be outside, in summer and on for hours/days. The quiet fan is only audible from a few feet. They power my Harbeth SHL-5's with scary depth. Some music is chilling.

However, I am interested in "better amplification." That's why I'm asking... I don't necessarily notice any faults with the Behringers - just that I'm curious what could be improved upon.

[michaelkingdom]

Any thoughts?

[Anonamemouse]

In all honesty, the answer you will get here is that the Bryston amps are better in any possible way. Which they are.

I know Behringer amps in general, but have never compared them in a one on one session. Since sound is mostly a matter of preference and wallet size, my suggestion is to try to find one you can borrow or test at home, and hear which one you like better.

[James Tanner]

Any thoughts?

Hi Michael,

Yes I think you have entered the arena of some that believe "all amps sound the same" with this particular question.

The Behringers appear to be addressing the low weight, high power, fan cooled market  (typically sound reinforcement applications) where the Brystons are much more directed to give the best sound available with very low distortions and noise floors etc. (typically recording studios and audiophiles).

Obviously it is up to the customer to decide which approach is the best given their particular system and circumstance.

Hope this helps.

james

[michaelkingdom]

That is my feeling too but the Behringer is very powerful. It puts out 550w at 8 ohms and 950w at 4 ohms. The weight is 36 pounds. Is there anything about the Bryston that would make a "better" sound?


Here's the specs on the EP4000:
8Ω per channel 550 W
4Ω per channel 950 W
2Ω per channel 1250 W
20 Hz – 20 kHz @ 0.1% THD, both channels driven

[James Tanner]

That is my feeling too but the Behringer is very powerful. It puts out 550w at 8 ohms and 950w at 4 ohms. The weight is 36 pounds. Is there anything about the Bryston that would make a "better" sound?


Here's the specs on the EP4000:
8Ω per channel 550 W
4Ω per channel 950 W
2Ω per channel 1250 W
20 Hz – 20 kHz @ 0.1% THD, both channels driven

Hi Michael

Power capability is only one small part of the total picture in the design of a quality amplifier - it's like saying an 8 cylinder engine is always better than a 6 cylinder without any regard to other factors except for horsepower.   
Example -  .1% THD distortion is actually quite high for an amplifier given today's technology

As I said before I think we are involved in a circular discussion with no real solution other than one opinion vs another. Be happy with you choice in amplifier. 

James

[michaelkingdom]

I have ordered a B60R! If there is interest, I will report back as to my impressions after it has settled into my system.

[James Tanner]

I have ordered a B60R! If there is interest, I will report back as to my impressions after it has settled into my system.

OK - please keep us up to date with your findings!

james